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Guntur Kaaram

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Guntur Kaaram
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTrivikram Srinivas
Written byTrivikram Srinivas
Produced byS. Radha Krishna
Starring
Cinematography
Edited byNaveen Nooli
Music byThaman S
Production
company
Release date
  • 12 January 2024 (2024-01-12)
Running time
159 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹200 crore[2][3]

Guntur Kaaram (pronounced [ɡʊɳʈuːɾ kaːɾʌm]; transl. Spice of Guntur) is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas, and produced by S. Radha Krishna through Haarika & Hassine Creations. It stars Mahesh Babu, Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ramya Krishna, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, and Jagapathi Babu.

The film was officially announced in May 2021 under the tentative title SSMB28, as it is Mahesh's 28th film in the leading role, and the official title was announced in May 2023. Principal photography commenced in September 2022, mostly shot in Hyderabad, and wrapped by late-December 2023. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Thaman S, with cinematography handled by Manoj Paramahamsa and editing handled by Naveen Nooli.

Guntur Kaaram was released in theatres worldwide on 12 January 2024, coinciding with Sankranti. The film received generally negative reviews from critics criticizing its direction, screenplay, plot, background score and soundtrack, but Babu's performance was praised.[4]

Plot

In 1998, Marx and Lenin in Guntur, both decide to burn down Satyam's mirchi factory. Satyam seeing this decides to go up to Marx and Lenin while the factory is burning down to question them why they are and in the process Satyam's brother-in-law decides to kill Lenin which sends Satyam to jail for 12 years. Ramana partially loses his vision in his left eye rendering him blind during the explosion. Seeing how Satyam went to jail, Vasundhara decides to leave Ramana behind and leaves with her father, Venkata Swamy.

25 years later, Venkata Swamy makes Vasundhara a minister through his political party and he faces the threat of Kata threatening to expose the fact that Ramana is Vasundhara's son. In order to combat this, Venkata Swamy decides to make Ramana sign a paper stating that he isn't related to Vasundhra or the family. Ramana refuses to do so if he can not see his mother and there is a back and forth involving Ammu and Balu trying to get Ramana to sign the papers. Venkata Swamy growing frustrated decides to have Pani file a fake FIR against Ramana stating that he destroyed valuables in the house and attacked security in order to force Ramana to sign the papers. Balu then goes against Pani and gets Ramana a bail order and Ramana visits the house in Hyderabad and recreates what was stated in the FIR. Vasundhara then decides to see Ramana and slaps him which makes Ramana sign the papers.

Back in Guntur, Kata Madhu tries to get Ramana to side with him but Ramana thrashes him. However, Kata is able to steal Ramana's wallet and reveals to the media that he is indeed Vasundhara's son. Venkata Swamy seeing this tries to get Ramana arrested again but fails to do so. Satyam then reveals that Vasundhara immediately wanted to have Ramana's eye operated after the accident but fought with Satyam who thought saving his brother-in-law was the main priority. She also wanted to take Ramana with her to Venkata Swamy's house but Bujji shut the doors of the house off from entering. In court, Vasundhara asks Bujji how Ramana's eye was and Bujji tells her that his eye will never be normal in which Vasundhara is enraged and blames the murder on Satyam. Ramana learning all of this slips into a depressive state in which Babji and his gang kidnap him and Balu and try to kill them. It is then found out that Narayana hired Babji to kill Ramana under Venkata Swamy's orders. Vasundhara then gets hit by a lorry and ends up in the hospital which Ramana rushes to see how she is. It is then revealed that Hari Das and Kata planned to murder Vasundhara with the accident. Venkata Swamy convinces Ramana to go kill Hari Das to prove that he is Vasundhara's son. In the process, Venkata Swamy reveals to Pani that he orchestrated the factory attack 25 years ago to get back his daughter as he lost the elections due to Vasundhara marrying Satyam who was from another caste. When Ramana goes to kill Hari Das, he reveals that he never planned the murder with Kata and it is found out that Venkata Swamy did instead. At the event to make Gopal Reddy the next minister, Naryana also reveals to Venkata Swamy that Gopal Reddy is not Vasundhara's kid but she merely adopted him and that she orchestrated in making Venkata Swamy a fool to save Ramana from harm. Ramana finding out about this is enraged at Venkata Swamy but Vasundhara stops him and they both leave to go back to Guntur where the entire family is reunited.

Cast

Production

Development

In early April 2021, it was reported that Trivikram Srinivas, who had successful collaborations with both Mahesh Babu and Pooja Hegde after working with the former in Athadu (2005) and Khaleja (2010); the latter in Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018) and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), would collaborate with both Babu and Hegde for his next directorial before his venture with N. T. Rama Rao Jr. He reportedly had narrated the script before the final script works which impressed the actor and actress and made them agree to work on the venture, in their third respective collaboration with the director.[5] On 1 May, the collaboration of Babu and Trivikram was officially announced, under the tentative title SSMB28.[6] Production was set to begin in November 2021 as Babu reportedly finishes filming by then for Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022). Cinematographer P. S. Vinod, editor Naveen Nooli, music composer Thaman S and art director A. S. Prakash were finalized in the technical crew. The project is funded by S. Radha Krishna under Haarika & Hassine Creations.[7][8]

A muhurtam pooja ceremony was held on 3 February 2022 at Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad with the film's cast and crew.[9] The film was initially promoted as an action thriller. However, after the completion of the first schedule, reports surfaced about conflicts among crew members and the cast. Subsequently, the production of the film was paused, and the script was reworked. After several months of delay, Trivikram presented a new modified script that transformed the film into a family entertainer, departing from the original narrative as an action thriller. The sequences filmed during the first schedule were intended to be discarded. The shooting recommenced with action sequences as per the modifications done to the script.[10][11] The film's official title was revealed as Guntur Kaaram on 31 May 2023.

Casting

Cast and crew at muhurtam pooja ceremony.

Pooja Hegde was initially cast as the lead actress, paired opposite Babu for the second time after Maharshi (2019) as well as in her third collaboration with director, however due to her schedule conflicts, she opted out from the venture and was subsequently replaced by Sreeleela.[12][13] The latter was initially signed on to play the second actress role before Hegde opted out, however after that, Sreeleela took over the lead actress role and the second role was replaced by Meenakshi Chaudhary.[14][15] In February 2023, Ramya Krishna was selected to play a key role in the film.[16] In March, Prakash Raj joined the cast to play Mahesh Babu's grandfather in the film.[17] Later Jayaram joined the cast.[18] In April, Jagapathi Babu was reported to play "a very endearing yet scary" character.[19]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on 12 September 2022 with an action sequence in Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad.[20] The first schedule, involving high-octane stunts choreographed by Anbariv duo,[21] was later completed in the same month.[22] However it was later confirmed by the producers that the fight was scrapped.[23] The second schedule was planned to commence after Dussehra festivities in Ramoji Film City with Hegde joining the sets.[20] The shooting was then halted with Trivikram making modifications to the script and converted the action thriller film into a "family entertainer".[21]

The second schedule started on 18 January 2023 in Sarathi Studios, Hyderabad.[24] Hegde joined the sets with filming taking place in Hyderabad.[25] In February, team constructed a house set spending ₹10 crore at Shankarpalli, Telengana in Hyderabad.[26] In March, Jayaram joined the sets.[27] The second schedule was wrapped on 6 April.[28] After shooting more than 50% of the film, the cinematographer of the film, P. S. Vinod, left, owing to creative differences. Following this development, Manoj Paramahamsa was announced as his replacement for the film. The third schedule began on 24 June.[29] Principal photography wrapped on 28 December 2023.[30]

Music

Guntur Kaaram
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released2024
Recorded2022–2023
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length12:12
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerThaman S
Thaman S chronology
Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food
(2023) 		Guntur Kaaram
(2024) 		OG
(2024)
Singles from Guntur Kaaram
  1. "Dum Masala"
    Released: 7 November 2023
  2. "Oh My Baby"
    Released: 13 December 2023
  3. "Kurchi Madathapetti"
    Released: 30 December 2023
  4. "Mawaa Enthaina"
    Released: 10 January 2024

Thaman S. composed the soundtrack album and background score for the film, in his fifth collaboration with Babu after Dookudu (2011), Businessman (2012), Aagadu (2014), and Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022); third collaboration with Trivikram after Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018) and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020).[31] Thaman started the work on the film's music in June 2022.[32] The first single "Dum Masala"[33] was released on 7 November 2023.[34] The second single "Oh My Baby" was released on 13 December 2023.

All lyrics are written by Ramajogayya Sastry

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Dum Masala"Sanjith Hegde, Jyoti Nooran3:27
2."Oh My Baby"Shilpa Rao2:36
3."Kurchi Madathapetti"Sri Krishna, Sahiti Chaganti3:37
4."Mawaa Enthaina"Ramachary Komanduri, Sri Krishna, Rahul Sipligunj2:32
Total length:12:12

Marketing

On 31 May 2023, first glimpse was released, on the occasion of Babu's father Krishna's 80th birth anniversary, which was attached with Mosagallaku Mosagadu 4K re-release in theatres.[35] The film's official trailer was released on 7 January 2023.[36]

Release

Theatrical

Guntur Kaaram is scheduled to release worldwide on 12 January 2024. Originally intended for a theatrical release on 28 April 2023, the film's launch was first deferred to 11 August 2023, and then to 13 January 2024, to coinciding with Sankranti. Eventually, the release date was advanced to 12 January 2024.

Home media

The digital distribution rights were acquired by Netflix.[37]

Reception

The film received generally negative reviews from critics criticizing its direction, screenplay, plot, background score and soundtrack, but Babu's performance was praised.[4]

Critical response

Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Mahesh Babu, in top-notch form, is the sole redeeming factor in Trivikram's unnecessarily prolonged film, preventing it from becoming a tedious watch."[38] Abhilasha Cherukuri of Cinema Express gave 2/5 stars and wrote "the film was a two-and-half hour-long advertisement for the Vijayawada-Hyderabad expressway. Not to mention additional brand placements for Greater Hyderabad’s outer ring road. Outside of an expansive B-roll displaying well-maintained roads in not one but two Telugu states, the rest of Guntur Kaaram is mere filler."[39]

BVS Prakash from Deccan Chronicle gave 2/5 stars and wrote "director Trivikram Srinvas fails to come up with a solid script to justify the larger-than-life image of Mahesh Babu."[40] Neeshita Nyayapati of Hindustan Times called it a "bland film" and wrote "Guntur Kaaram feels like a wasted opportunity. The film could’ve either been a tearjerker or a commercial masala film, but the way it is now, it just hangs in an unsatisfactory limbo. And that’s a shame because Mahesh gives the film his all. If only Trivikram could break out of the box he seems to have created for himself."[41]

Box office

Notes

References

  1. ^ "'Guntur Kaaram' clears censor; locks runtime". The Hans India. 5 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Mahesh Babu To Get Rs 78 Crore For Trivikram Srinivas' Guntur Kaaram? Details Inside". News18. 20 July 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  3. ^ https://www.business-standard.com/entertainment/mahesh-babu-s-guntur-kaaram-trailer-to-be-out-soon-check-when-to-watch-124010300468_1.html
  4. ^ a b "'Guntur Kaaram' Review: Spice Hits In The Eyes". 12 January 2024. Overall, "Guntur Kaaram" can be classified as a formulaic commercial family entertainer. While the film avoids gratuitous violence commonly found in today's big star movies, it suffers from outdated sequences and a lack of emotional depth. There is no humor either. The film largely hinges on Mahesh Babu's star power and his performance.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) "Review : Guntur Kaaram – Medium spicy". 12 January 2024. On the whole, Guntur Kaaram manages to entertain in parts, relying heavily on Mahesh Babu's screen presence, accent, and one-liners. However, its drawbacks, including a thin storyline, sluggish screenplay, and superfluous scenes, may limit its broader appeal. While Guntur Kaaram may not impress all sections of the audience this Sankranthi season, Mahesh Babu fans may find it watchable thanks to the actor's one-man show in an energetic and charismatic avatar.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) "Guntur Kaaram Review: Mahesh Babu Fights An Uphill Battle Against A Soulless Script". 12 January 2024. Guntur Kaaram Review: Mahesh Babu Fights An Uphill Battle Against A Soulless Script.You see, with Guntur Kaaram, the idea is great, and the emotional beats were all there but somehow, they don't come together to make a strong impact.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) "Guntur Kaaram Movie Review – Trivikram Disappoints!". 12 January 2024. "Guntur Kaaram" is a mediocre movie overall. The aspects that give it some appeal are Mahesh Babu's portrayal, his dialogue delivery, and his dance. which managed to rescue the film to a degree. However, the second half of the movie is dull and negates the somewhat positive impact of the first half. Trivikram's distinctive style is noticeably absent in this film. Additionally, in terms of production value, this film is notably the least expensive among Mahesh Babu's films.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) "Guntur Kaaram Review: Spiceless". 12 January 2024. Overall, Guntur Kaaram can be watched once with low expectations during the festive season, without expecting much originality, action, or emotions, other than Mahesh's energy.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Trivikram Srinivas to direct Mahesh Babu and Pooja Hegde?". The Times of India. 8 April 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Confirmed: Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas to join hands for #SSMB28". The Times of India. 1 May 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  7. ^ "SSMB 28: Mahesh Babu's film with Trivikram Srinivas to go on floors on this date? Here's what we know". The Times of India. 22 September 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Confirmed: S Thaman is the composer of Mahesh Babu's next with Trivikram Srinivas". The Times of India. 16 November 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  9. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (4 February 2022). "Mahesh Babu-Trivikram's shoot begins, actor's wife Namrata Shirodkar attends muhurat puja : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 5 February 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  10. ^ "Mahesh Babu's next with 'Trivikram' titled 'Guntur Kaaram'". The Hindu. 1 June 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  11. ^ "Guntur Karaam: Fight masters Ram Lakshman replaced from Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas' film?". PINKVILLA. 12 August 2023. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  12. ^ "Pooja Hegde has three films with Trivikram Srinivas?". The Hans India. 9 July 2021. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  13. ^ "Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas' #SSMB28 team revealed: Pooja Hegde on-board". The Times of India. 9 August 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  14. ^ "SSMB28: Sreeleela to play this role in Mahesh-Trivikram film". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  15. ^ "Meenakshi to share screen with Mahesh". Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  16. ^ "Ramya Krishna to play a key role in Mahesh Babu's next with Trivikram". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  17. ^ "Prakash Raj likely to play key role in Mahesh Babu's SSMB 28". News18. 1 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Actor Jayaram gets clicked with Mahesh Babu from sets of SSMB28". Telangana Today. 18 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  19. ^ "SSMB 28 EXCLUSIVE: Jagapathi Babu confirms 'a very endearing yet scary' character in Mahesh Babu's next". PINKVILLA. 28 April 2023. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  20. ^ a b "Mahesh Babu's SSMB28 To Go On Break Due To Dussehra, Second Leg To Start Soon". News18. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Mahesh Babu's SSMB 28 shoot resumes, action sequences to be shot for 2 weeks". India Today. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  22. ^ "#SSMB28: Mahesh Babu shoots 'high-octane epic action scenes' for Trivikram movie, Pooja Hegde to join sets soon". The Indian Express. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  23. ^ "SSMB28 Will Touch Rajamouli's Numbers". indiaherald.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  24. ^ "Mahesh Babu | SSMB28 : మహేష్ బాబు-త్రివిక్రమ్ మూవీ రెండో షెడ్యూల్ మొదలు." News18 Telugu (in Telugu). 18 January 2023. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  25. ^ "Mahesh Babu Caravan at Yashoda Hospital for Trivikram Pooja Hegde SSMB28 Shoot | యశోద హాస్పిటల్ వద్ద మహేష్‌ బాబు కేరవ్యాన్.. అసలు ముచ్చట ఏంటంటే..? News in Telugu". 6 February 2023. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  26. ^ "Mahesh Babu-starrer SSMB28's Actions Scenes To Be Shot In A 10-Crore Set: Reports". News18. 11 February 2023. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  27. ^ "Jayaram and Mahesh Babu pose for a candid click on 'SSMB28' set". The Times of India. 19 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  28. ^ "SSMB28: Mahesh to take a summer break, here are the details of current and upcoming schedules". OTTPlay. 2 April 2023. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  29. ^ "Tollywood: Guntur Kaaram, OG, Devara's latest shoot updates are here". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  30. ^ Desk, Tupaki (28 December 2023). "'Guntur Karam' Production Gets Wrapped Finally!". english.tupaki.com. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  31. ^ "Confirmed: S Thaman is the composer of Mahesh Babu's next with Trivikram Srinivas – Times of India". The Times of India. 16 November 2021. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  32. ^ "Thaman's Insta pic hints he's getting started on music for 'SSMB28'". The Times of India. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022.
  33. ^ Dum Masala Lyrical Song | Guntur Kaaram Songs | Mahesh Babu | Trivikram | Thaman S |S. Radha Krishna. Aditya Music India. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ "Dum Masala song OUT: First single from Mahesh Babu starrer Guntur Kaaram dropped; promises a spicy treat". PINKVILLA. 7 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  35. ^ "Mahesh Babu-Trivikram's SSMB 28 is now Guntur Kaaram". Cinema Express. 31 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  36. ^ "'Guntur Kaaram' trailer: Mahesh Babu promises an explosive entertainer". India Today. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  37. ^ "Mahesh Babu, Trivikram Srinivas's SSMB28 digital rights acquired by Netflix for Rs 81 crores". The Indian Express. 1 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  38. ^ "Guntur Kaaram movie review: Mahesh Babu tries hard, but Trivikram prevents us from screaming 'Jai Babu'". 12 January 2024.
  39. ^ "Guntur Kaaram Movie Review: A wafer-thin family drama that overstays its welcome". Cinema Express.
  40. ^ "Trivikram Dishes Out A Spiceless Kaaram".
  41. ^ "Guntur Kaaram review: Mahesh Babu is the saving grace of this bland film with nothing new to offer". Hindustan Times. 12 January 2024.
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